Are you a model or a critic?

Stephan Covey in his highly celebrated book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People*" said this:

"Be a Light, not a Judge; Be a model, not a Critic".

The question for this Monday is simple. Are you aware in what areas of your life are you seen as a model? Why? In what areas you are a critic? Why? What is stopping you from being seen as a model in almost all walks of life? 

We criticize, hold grudge, be a victim and even take moral high ground and think others are wrong because it is easy to do so. It makes you feel good in the short run, as you absolve your responsibility and blame others. The alternate path is to engage, understand, empathise, see things from a different perspective, be open and willing to learn, willing to teach, take responsibility yourself etc., Its tough and the results take a long time to appreciate and some may initiatives may not yield anything. Just remember that we have a choice and we sub-consciously exercise such choices each day - Model or a Critic, Model or a Critic, Model or a Critic.....

* - If you are of the type that reads non-fictional books may be one per year or even one per decade, I strongly recommend you to read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This is one book I've gifted the most, and happy to gift you one too - just ask.